Vendors using the Auki Central Market, Malaita are appealing to the Malaita Provincial Government and market management to permit sellers to stay overnight when their produce is not sold by the end of the day.
Several vendors told the Solomon Star that it is challenging for those who travel long distances to sell their goods and then return home without finishing their stock.
Under current market regulations, vendors are not allowed to remain on the premises overnight.
Those coming from the northern, southern, eastern, and central parts of Malaita often have no choice but to sleep infront of nearby shops while waiting for the next day to continue selling their produce their next day.
One vendor, who wishes to remain anonymous pleaded to the provincial authorities to consider supporting the vendors.
“Auki Market management does not allow vendors to sleep inside the market, unlike Honiara Central Market, where sellers are permitted to stay overnight with their produce.”
A mother who sells at the market highlighted safety concerns.
“At Auki Market, after 6pm, all vendors are ordered to leave. For those of us who come from far away in the east, north, or south, it is very challenging.
“If our produce is not sold, we have to stay another day. We normally sleep in front of shops while waiting for the next day to sell our produce.
“When it rains, it becomes very difficult and painful.”
They expressed to travel back and forth is very costly for them.
The vendors are now appealing to the Malaita Provincial Government to consider the difficulties faced by market sellers, particularly mothers who are working hard to support their families.
She urged authorities to consider the safety of all mothers during the night so that they can continue their business the following day.
The mother said, some solutions should be reached so that vendors can be allowed to sleep overnight.
At Gizo market in Western province, the market normally closes at 6pm and reopens at 6am.
Fortunately, most of the vendors normally use the MSG Complex near Gizo wharf as their resting place during the night.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
Photo caption; The busy Auki market during the day. During the evening it is closed for the vendors.
